First look: Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph livery

17-time Grand Slam Champ, Roger Federer has been using a Wilson racquet for a long time.

In fact, Federer is using a new high tech Wilson racquet in 2014, the Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph, and the "RF" stands for Roger Federer.

The tennis public has been eagerly awaiting the debut of the new frame, and Wilson has been kind of teasing us, leading up to its projected release date of October 1, 2014.

Back in July, Wilson released the tech specs of the racquet, adding more fuel to those anticipating this racquet.

Now, on Friday, August 1, the final design of the racquet is being shown off by Wilson.

Gone is the black matte look Federer has been using this spring and summer- now we have a new look and a new color to marvel at.

The RF97 and the entire family of Pro Staff racquets now look as good as Federer says they play.

The stick features a black throat and a red hoop. Federer loves red and that is his personal touch.

Black is the color most associated with past Pro Staff rackets and the black is still there. Black accents are now at three and nine o'clock on the hoop, giving a new look to this line of frames that has lasted for decades.

Much thought went into what this racquet would look like.

"This is a great example of the synergy that exists between Wilson and the tennis community," said Mike Dowse, Wilson Sporting Goods Co. President. "As a brand, we are committed to listening to the needs of our professional and recreational players. With the new Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph racket we have created a stylish design while maintaining the premium performance and feel."

Wilson kind of went off the map when it came to finding a designer for this frame.

Figasinski, a life-long Wilson racket and tennis player, posted his design concept on a popular tennis forum. Wilson contacted him and signed a one-year contract with Wilson to share his designs and ideas.

Federer loved what Figasinski had to offer.

"When I saw the designs from Wilson, I knew right away that this was the look that I wanted to represent my legacy with the brand," said Federer. "The design is young and modern, with a classic feel. It is a fitting look for the next generation of the Pro Staff rackets."

Wilson also wants to make sure people know the history of their past "Autograph" racquets:

The Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph is the first Autograph racket from Wilson in nearly 40 years, the last being the Chris Evert Autograph introduced in 1976. The Jack Kramer Autograph, launched in 1949, is the best-selling racket in tennis history. Autograph rackets are reserved for tennis legends and no one is more deserving than Federer, considered by many as the greatest tennis players of all-time. The RF97 Autograph is the centerpiece for the new and evolved Pro Staff line, with the flagship graphics set to become the design inspiration for the Wilson line for years to come.

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Rick C. Limpert is a freelance writer and columnist in Atlanta. He's a writer and photographer who has covered technology, sports, and events all over the world. His works have been featured in numerous print and online publications. Rick welcomes any press materials or releases that are relevant. To reach Rick with a question or comment, contact him at this address or follow him on Twitter. Rick also contributes to CBS Local, and can be read here.